CCH Pounder To Star In CBS' 'NCIS' New Orleans Spinoff

C.C.H. Pounder is known for her drama series roles, and it appears she's landed yet another one. According to Hollywood Reporter, it has been confirmed that Pounder has signed for the CBS NCIS: New Orleans spin-off.

The cast for the new drama series is populating rather quickly as the news comes only hours after it was announced that Quantum Leap alum Scott Bakula and JAG's Zoe McLellan would be starring in the two-hour backdoor pilot.

The publication reports that the two-part pilot, which is set to air in the spring, centers around the Naval Criminal Investigative Services' office located in New Orleans, LA. This particular office handles cases in the southern region of the United States from Pensacola, FL through Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Known for its rich culture and fast-life setting, the Big Easy, with its famous French Quarter, is a mecca for good music, live entertainment, 'liquid confidence,' and debauchery. The exhilarating New Orleans nightlife can be a gift or the perfect recipe for trouble where military personnel on leave are concerned.

Pounder will play the role of Dr. Wade, who is the Jefferson Parish Medical Examiner. The character is described as "eccentric and smart," with a "worldly, intuitive and incredible connection to Louisiana". Pounder has a recurring role on FX's Sons of Anarchy. Some of her other notable credits include ER, The Shield, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Avatar and SYFY's Warehouse 13.

NCIS creator Gary Glasberg and series star Mark Harmon will serve as executive producers for the "character-driven" spin-off. The series will be the third in the NCIS franchise if a full season is ordered following the pilot. NCIS: Los Angeles was the second, successfully launched series from the franchise, which was also introduced through a backdoor, tw0-hour pilot episode that premiered in April 2008.

Filming for the NCIS: New Orleans pilot is scheduled to take place some time this month.